Council Agenda
City of Westminster
Title: Council Meeting
Meeting Date: Wednesday 29 October 2008
Time: 7.00pm
Westminster Council House
Venue:
97-113 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5PT
Members: All Councillors are hereby summoned to attend
the Meeting for the transaction of the business
set out below.
Admission to the public gallery is by ticket, issued
from the ground floor reception at Council House
from 6.30pm.
Please telephone if you are attending the meeting
in a wheelchair or have difficulty walking up steps.
There is wheelchair access by a side entrance.
An Induction loop operates to enhance sound for
anyone wearing a hearing aid or using a
T transmitter. If you require any further information,
please contact Nigel Tonkin.
Tel: 020 7641 2756
Fax: 020 7641 2917
Minicom/Textphone: 020 7641 8000
Email: ntonkin@westminster.gov.uk
Corporate Website: www.westminster.gov.uk
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1. Appointment of Relief Chairman
To appoint a relief Chairman.
2. Minutes
To sign the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 16 July 2008.
3. Council Vacancies
The Director of Legal and Administrative Services to report that Councillor
Mehfuz Ahmed was elected on 24 July 2008 to fill the vacancy in Church
Street ward. The result of the Lancaster Gate Ward by-election to be held on
23 October will be reported orally.
4. Lord Mayor's Communications
(a) The Lord Mayor to report that she officiated at a Special Citizenship
Ceremony on 22 July, involving residents from Westminster, Kensington and
Chelsea, Kingston and Tower Hamlets and held - in conjunction with Historic
Royal Palaces - at the Banqueting House, Whitehall.
(b) The Lord Mayor to report that on 22 July she and her Consort attended
Her Majesty’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace
(c) The Lord Mayor to report that on 17 September she made a civic visit to
Jerusalem, followed by a civic visit to Switzerland later in the week
(d) The Lord Mayor to report that on 4 October she attended the Service of
Installation of the new Receiver-General of Westminster Abbey
(e) Any other communications.
5. Declarations of Interests
To receive any declarations of interests from Members and Officers of the
Council.
6. Monitoring Officer’s Report Pages
To receive the report. 5-9
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
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7. Petitions and Deputations
(a) To receive a request for Ansar Patel, Westminster’s Youth MP, to
address the Council on youth issues.
(b) To receive any other petitions or deputations.
8. Questions
(Standing Order 9 limits the questions to matters relevant to the general work
or procedure of the Council).
9. Councillor Issues
(a) Councillor Rupert D’Cruz – Council Finances and Budget Priorities
(b) Councillor Nick Evans – Gangs and Counter Gangs: The Cadet
Movement and cutting Gang Culture
10. Statements on Urgent Matters Pursuant to Standing Order
4(3) (if any)
(Standing Order 4(3) provides that with the approval of the Chairman of the
Meeting, the Leader of the Council may make a statement on an urgent matter
and the Leader of the Opposition will have an equivalent right to reply).
11. Cabinet Reports
To receive and consider the following Cabinet reports:-
(A) Cabinet Committee Report
Date Pages
27 August 10 - 11
(B) Individual Cabinet Member Decisions
Period
(a) *4 July to 11 October 12 - 40
(b) Any other Cabinet Member Decisions for
recommendation to Council (to follow)
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
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12. Committee and Officer Reports
To receive and consider the following Committee reports:
Committee/Officer Date Pages
Westminster Scrutiny Commission 14 July 41 - 43
Standards 14 July 44 - 45
Crime and Disorder 2 September 46 - 47
Built Environment 3 September 48 - 52
Superannuation Investments 3 September 53 - 54
Children and Young People 9 September 55 - 57
Resources and Corporate Services 16 September 58 - 61
* General Purposes 18 September 62
Audit and Performance 22 September 63
Health and Community Services 7 October 64 - 66
Audit and Performance 14 October 67 - 69
Westminster Scrutiny Commission 20 October To follow
* General Purposes 21 October To follow
*There is a recommendation for decision in the above reports
13. Notice of Motion
To be moved by Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg and seconded by Councillor
Ruth Bush.
We condemn the proposal to cut £800,000 from the Refuse Collection and
Recycling Budget when that contract is up for re-let in 2010. There is a real
danger that these cuts will result in higher levels of street waste not being
regularly collected and that our recycling programme will result in higher
energy usage as a result of low investment in new recycling technologies.
There has been a failure to identify important ways in which this service can
respond to residents’ needs and how we can achieve more efficient measures
in the recycling process.
Westminster City Hall
Victoria Street
London SW1
17 October 2008 Director of Legal and
Administrative Services
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
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Executive Summary
City of Westminster and Recommendations
Full Council Report
Title of Report: Monitoring Officer Report
Pension Fund – New pension policies and ratification
of the compensation policy
Date: 29 October 2008
1. Summary of this Report
1.1 This is a report of the Monitoring Officer pursuant to Section 5 (2) of the Local
Government and Housing Act 1989.
1.2 An analysis of the governance principles for pension funds has identified that all
pension management and operational matters are non-executive functions,
whereas currently, general administrative functions relating to the payment of
pensions etc are within the terms of reference of the Cabinet Member for Finance
and Support Services. As a result functions have to be transferred to a non-
executive Committee and this is in hand.
1.3 Three new pension policies have recently been the subject of consultation with
the staff and the unions. The draft policies were approved for consultation by the
previous Cabinet Member for Finance and Support Services (Councillor Barrow).
These policies were meant to be in force by the end of June 2008. To comply
with governance principles, it has been identified that the policies should have
been considered by a non-executive Committee of the Council. The policies were
finally approved by the General Purposes Urgency Sub-Committee on 18
September 2008.
1.4 The Cabinet Member for Finance and Support Services also approved a new
compensation policy on termination of employment in October 2007. In view of
the governance issues identified above, this decision was ratified and given
retrospective effect by the General Purposes Urgency Sub-Committee on 18
September 2008.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
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2. Recommendation
2.1 That the Council notes this report;
2.2 That the Council notes that the three new pension policies were approved by the
General Purposes Urgency Sub-Committee on 18 September 2008; and
2.3 That the Council further notes that the compensation policy was ratified by the
General Purposes Urgency Sub-Committee on the same date so as to have
retrospective effect from 1 April 2007.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
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Full Council Report
City of Westminster
Item No: 5
Date: 29 October 2008
Classification: For General Release
Title of Report: Monitoring Officer Report
Pension Fund – New pension policies and
ratification of the compensation policy
Report of: Director of Legal and Administrative Services
Wards involved: None
Policy context: Monitoring Officer Report
Financial summary: There are no financial implications
Report Author: Colin Wilson
Contact details Tel: 020 7641 2710
Email: cwilson@westminster.gov.uk
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
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3. Background Information
3.1 The issues in this report came to light following the approval of a Governance
Compliance Statement by the Superannuation Investments Committee on 19
February 2008. One of the governance principles addressed in that statement
was “scope” which meant that the Council had to consider whether all pension
matters were within the terms of reference of the Superannuation Investments
Committee. It then became apparent that all pension matters apart from the
investment functions were contained in the terms of reference of the Cabinet
Member for Finance and Support Services.
3.2 An analysis of the constitutional arrangements concluded that all pension
matters were non-executive functions, none of which should have been
included in the terms of reference of the Cabinet Member. However, the
Cabinet Member had already approved the Council’s compensation policy on
termination of employment on 12 October 2007. Earlier this year, but before
the constitutional point referred to above had been identified, he had approved
three new pension policies for the purposes of consultation with staff and the
unions. Those were policies on (i) the award of additional pension, (ii)
retirement before the age of 60 and (iii) flexible retirement. The new pension
policies were not implemented and published by 30 June 2008 as required.
3.2 The General Purposes Urgency Sub-Committee is recommending to the
Council (elsewhere on this agenda) that the terms of reference of the
Superannuation Investment Committee be expanded to include the wider
functions relating to pensions which will enable the renamed Superannuation
Committee, to agree these issues in future.
4. Purpose of Report
4.1 This report has been prepared pursuant to Section 5 (2) of the Local
Government and Housing Act 1989 (the 1989 Act). This requires the
Monitoring Officer to report to the authority when it appears to him that a
proposal, decision or omission by the authority has given rise to a
contravention of any enactment.
4.2 In preparing this report, the Monitoring Officer has consulted with the Chief
Executive and the Director of Finance as required by Section 5 (3) (a) of the
1989 Act.
5. Corrective Action
5.1 The three new pension policies were approved by the General Purposes
Urgency Sub-Committee on 18 September 2008.They will be published and
submitted to the London Pension Fund Authority as the Administering
Authority for Westminster City Council’s Pension Fund. This is in accordance
with requirements set out in regulation 66 of the Local Government Pension
Scheme (Administration) Regulations 2008.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
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5.2 The compensation policy was ratified by the General Purposes Urgency Sub-
Committee on 18 September 2008 with retrospective effect as from 1 April
2007 so as to ensure compliance with regulation 7 of the Local Government
(Early Termination of Employment) (Discretionary Compensation) (England
and Wales) Regulations 2006.
5.3 If the Council approves the recommendation made by the General Purposes
Urgency Sub-Committee on 18 September 2008, the terms of reference of the
Superannuation Committee will be amended so as to ensure that all pension
matters can be dealt with in future via a non-executive route, thus avoiding
any further problems of the sort referred to in this report.
5.4 The contravention of the regulations referred to above has been
inconsequential with no financial loss having been incurred. Therefore, no
further action is recommended.
6. Financial Implications
6.1 There are no financial implications.
7. Legal Implications
7.1 Legal implications are dealt with in the body of the report.
Background Information
If you have any questions about this report, or wish to inspect one of the
background papers, please contact Colin Wilson, 020 7641 2710;
Email: cwilson@westminster.gov.uk
LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ACCESS TO INFORMATION) ACT 1985
BACKGROUND PAPERS
The documents referred to in compiling this report are as follows:
Report to the General Purposes Urgency Sub-Committee (18.9.08)
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
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REPORT OF THE CABINET URGENCY COMMITTEE ON 27 AUGUST
2008
The following Members were present:
Councillors Edward Argar, Melvyn Caplan and Brian Connell
1. Performance Management and Remuneration
(a) The Council meeting on 7 May this year received a report on the Cabinet’s
decision to approve the triggering of the new Reward proposals on the basis
that the commitment to deliver £10m in cashable ongoing benefits by 31
March 2008, via the WorkSmart programme, had been exceeded.
(b) At that time it was agreed that a further report on the remuneration proposals
under Reward would be considered once consultations with staff
representatives had been concluded.
(c) We have now considered and approved this further report which attached the
final proposals for the new remuneration structure and associated benefits,
and covered the new pay and grading structure, premium payments, annual
leave, protection and buy-out, the financial implications (both ongoing revenue
consequences and one-off and salary protection costs), outstanding risks,
legal, staffing and business plan implications and the timetable for
implementation.
(d) In summary, the existing pay and performance management pay structures
will be discontinued for all staff in scope and replaced by a new performance
management system and remuneration structure that will ensure that all future
pay progression will be based on performance and increased contribution.
This is necessary as, in order to continue to provide the very best services to
those who live, work and visit the City, it is vital that the Council maintains its
“excellent” status. To do this, the Council has to attract and retain a “world
class” highly motivated workforce with the skills, competencies and motivation
to meet the Council’s needs in the short, medium and long term. The new
remuneration structure will make a major contribution to the City Council being
the employer of choice for those who have the most to offer.
(e) We discussed a number of aspects of the proposals and in particular sought
assurances that the new performance management regime would be effective,
vigorous and transparent. We asked to be kept informed on this aspect once
the performance management model had been finalised, in consultation with
Unison.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
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(f) Finally, we noted the contribution of Unison to date in contributing to a very
professional negotiating process and we thanked the Director of Human
Resources and his team, who have worked on this issue for some
considerable time, for their efforts.
MELVYN CAPLAN, Chairman
__________________________________
Local Government Act 1972 – Background Information
Report and Minutes to meeting of the Cabinet Urgency Committee – 27
August 2008
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
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Reports of Decisions and Recommendations to the Council
of Individual Cabinet Members for the Period
3 July 2008 – 16 October 2008
The following issue is referred to Council for discussion:
CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY PROTECTION
(Councillor Daniel Astaire)
1. Approval of the Safer Westminster Partnership Plan 2008 -
2011
Councillor Daniel Astaire has been asked to recommend to the Council the
approval of the Safer Westminster Partnership Plan 2008 – 2011 which has
been drawn up by the Safer Westminster Partnership (a thematic network of
the Westminster City Partnership which acts as the statutory Crime and
Disorder Reduction Partnership for Westminster).
The Partnership Plan forms part of the Council’s formal policy framework and
is a statutory requirement following the provisions of the Crime and Disorder
Act 1998 and the Police and Justice Act 2006.
A copy of the report submitted to Councillor Astaire for his consideration is
attached as Appendix A.
Recommendation:
That the six crime and disorder priorities outlined in the Safer Westminster
Partnership Plan attached as Appendix A, be approved as an appropriate
strategy to deal with the priorities identified for the next three years containing
targets that are appropriate and sufficiently challenging.
The following issues are referred to the Council for information:
THE LEADER (Councillor Colin Barrow)
2. One City Neighbourhoods Programme – Expenditure from the
Ward Budget for Bryanston and Dorset Square – 4 September
2008.
Councillor Colin Barrow approved expenditure of £23,144 from the Ward
Budget for Bryanston and Dorset Square on:
1. City Guardian cover east of the Edgware Road, Harrowby and District RA
area, Marylebone Station, Boston Place, Blandford Estate and Balcombe
Street including a patrol of the ward, recording and rectifying, where
possible, issues relating to specific problems identified by ward
members.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
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2. Community engagement projects to engage children, young people and
adults through outreach work and children’s and adult’s art activities to
be commissioned through the Four Feathers Youth Centre and the
Marylebone Society Art Exhibition.
CABINET MEMBER FOR FINANCE AND SUPPORT SERVICES
(Councillor Melvyn Caplan)
3. Go Green Fund – Approval for Spending on New Projects in
2008/9 – 28 July 2008
Councillor Melvyn Caplan concurred with the Cabinet Member for Built
Environment that approval be given for expenditure from the Go Green Fund
(see paragraph 22).
4. Council Tax, NNDR, Housing Benefit Overpayments and
Former Client Rent Arrears – Irrecoverable Debt – 28 July
2008*
Councillor Melvyn Caplan agreed to the writing off of the irrecoverable debt
shown at paragraph 4.1 of the report and noted the amounts shown in the
report as written-off under officer delegated authority.
5. Transformation of the Income Management Service – 31 July
2008*
Councillor Melvyn Caplan approved the letting strategy for an income
management service provider as set out in the report.
6. Hostels Capital Grants – Use of Interest Received – 13 August
2008
Councillor Melvyn Caplan agreed:
(i) That interest already earned and totalling £507,000 be used for the
improvement of hostels in Westminster at the discretion of the Director of
Housing;
(ii) That interest earned on grants be made under Phase 2 of the Hostels
Capital Improvement Programme be similarly applied, and:
(iii) That the allocations made under Phase 2 of Hostels Capital Improvement
Programme be noted and the Director of Housing authorised to approve
any adjustments to the programme in the light of slippage that may
occur
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
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7. Capital ICT Project – MyWestminster – 18 August 2008
Councillor Melvyn Caplan concurred with the Cabinet Member for Customers
and Neighbourhoods, see paragraph 62, that the drawdown of funding from
the capital programme of £249,943 to fund the next stage of the My
Westminster project under the One City programme for 2008/09 be approved.
8. Early Retirement Request – 19 August 2008*
Councillor Melvyn Caplan approved that the early payment of pension benefits
under the Local Government Pension Scheme (Benefits, Membership and
Contributions) Regulations 2007 be agreed with effect from 1 September 2008
in respect of the officer from the Finance and Resources Department named
in the report.
9. Rating Advisory Panel: Determination of NNDR Discretionary
and Hardship Relief Applications – 19 August 2008*
Councillor Melvyn Caplan approved the recommendations of the Rating
Advisory Panel in respect of the applications for NNDR Discretionary and
Hardship Relief, as set out in Appendix A of the report.
10. Charging Policy for Freedom of Information Requests – 2
September 2008
Councillor Melvyn Caplan approved the “Freedom of Information Act 2000,
Charging Policy”, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.
11. Two Year Extension of the Anite Public Sector Contract to
Provide the SWIFT and ICS Case Management Systems – 11
September 2008*
Councillor Melvyn Caplan approved an extension of 2 years to the contract
with Anite Public Sector for provision of the SWIFT and ICS case
management systems from 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2011 in the sum
of £380,000.
12. Rating Advisory Panel: Determination of NNDR Discretionary
and Hardship Relief Applications – 16 September 2008*
Councillor Melvyn Caplan approved the recommendations of the Rating
Advisory Panel and endorsed the applications for NNDR Discretionary and
Hardship Relief as set out in Appendix A of the Report.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
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13. Developments on Temporary to Settled Homes Scheme – 16
September 2008
Councillor Melvyn Caplan concurred with the Cabinet Member for Housing
that:
1. The Director of Housing be authorised to finalise the details and
implement the Temporary to Settled Homes Scheme.
2. The funding for the scheme prior to reassignment via a loan to City West
Homes up to a maximum value of £15m be approved. The initial loan will
be treated as capital expenditure and funded from borrowing. The
repayment will be treated as a capital receipt and used to fund other
projects in the capital programme.
14. William Blake House, 8 Marshall Street – Condition of Property
– Major Works – 24 September 2008*
Councillor Melvyn Caplan concurred with the Cabinet Member for Housing on
the way forward in respect of William Blake House, as detailed in the report.
15. Re-Let Strategy for City Council’s Electrical Energy Contracts
and Gas Contract – 26 September 2008
Councillor Melvyn Caplan approved, in principle, the re-letting strategy for the
contract for provision of energy utilities and agreed that authority be delegated
to the Director of Finance and Resources to finalise and sign the terms of the
proposed service level agreement with OGC.
16. Re-organisation of the Children’s Services Department – 9
October 2008
Councillor Melvyn Caplan concurred with the Cabinet Member for Children’s
Services (see paragraph 75) that:
(a) The grade and remuneration package for each post in the new structure
be determined by the Director of Human Resources in line with the
Council’s reward Strategy.
(b) In line with Council policy, employees on the Council’s Redeployment
Register who are in a redundancy situation will be given priority
consideration for the new posts created in the Report prior to the posts
being advertised. This may include providing training to the redeployee,
where appropriate, subject to costs and individual potential benefit.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
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(c) Every effort will be made to assimilate, redeploy or find suitable
alternative employment for the post holders affected by this
reorganisation. However, should it not be possible to redeploy such
individuals, they be declared redundant with effect from a date to be
agreed between the Director of Children’s Services (Acting), and the
Director of Human Resources, and paid benefits in accordance with the
Council’s Discretionary Compensation Policy 2007.
Cabinet Member for Built Environment
(Councillor Robert Davis)
17. Broadway and Christchurch Gardens Conservation Area Audit
and Boundary Review – 7 July 2008
Councillor Robert Davis agreed (1) the designation of the extension to the
Broadway and Christchurch Gardens Conservation Area to include 12-24
Caxton Street as detailed in appendix 3 attached to the report; (2) that the
Director of Planning and City Development be authorised to publish a notice
of the designation, specifying its effects in the London Gazette and at least
one local newspaper circulating in the area, giving notice to the Secretary of
State and English Heritage, taking any such steps as may be necessary to
implement the designations; and (3) to adopt the Broadway and Christchurch
Gardens Conservation Area Audit attached as appendix 4 to the report as a
Supplementary Planning Document which will incorporate the revised
boundaries on all maps.
18. Proposed Portable Advertisement Designation Areas under
the London Local Authorities Act 2007 – 8 July 2008
Councillor Robert Davis approved the portable advertising designation areas
as defined by the Schedule and Maps attached to the report.
19. Commemorative Green Plaque for Peter Cook and Dudley
Moore at 18 Greek Street, W1 – 17 July 2008
Councillor Robert Davis approved the nomination for a commemorative green
plaque for Peter Cook and Dudley Moore at 18 Greek Street, subject to
sponsorship in full.
20. Commemorative Green Plaque for Alexis Soyer (1810 – 1858) –
24 July 2008
Councillor Robert Davis approved the nomination for a commemorative green
plaque for Alexis Soyer (1810 – 1858) at 28 Marlborough Place, subject to
sponsorship in full.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
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21. Commemorative Green Plaque for BBC School Radio (1952 -
1992) – 28 July 2008
Councillor Robert Davis approved the nomination for a commemorative green
plaque for BBC School Radio, subject to sponsorship in full.
22. Go Green Fund – Approval for Spending on New Projects in
2008/9 – 28 July 2008
Councillor Robert Davis concurred with the Cabinet Member for Finance and
Support Services that approval be given for expenditure from the Go Green
Fund as detailed in the report.
23. Informal Design Guide for Theatre Lighting and Signage – 30
July 2008
Councillor Robert Davis agreed the publication of the Theatre Lighting and
Signage Design Guide, as attached to the report, as an informal document for
use for the next three years.
24. Local Development Framework – Core Strategy Preferred
Options – 2 September 2008
Councillor Robert Davis agreed:
1. That the Preferred Options Consultation Document attached as Appendix
1 to the report be approved and subjected to public consultation to
comply with Regulation 26 of the Town and Country Planning (Local
Development)(England) Regulations 2004.
2. That the Sustainability Appraisal (Appendix 4), the initial Health Impact
Assessment (Appendix 6) and the initial Equalities Impact Assessment
(Appendix 7) of the Preferred Options be approved in order that these
supporting documents can be published with the Preferred Options for
public consultation to comply with legal requirements and best practice.
25. Commemorative Green Plaque for Bernard Sunley at 24
Berkeley Square, W2 – 3 September 2008
Councillor Robert Davis approved the nomination for a commemorative green
plague for Bernard Sunley, subject to sponsorship in full.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
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26. Proposed delegation to officers of certain enforcement powers
under the London Local Authorities Act 2007 to control
portable advertising and other types of advertising – 5
September 2008
Councillor Robert Davis agreed that powers be delegated to the Director of
Planning and City Development and the Director of Community Protection:
(a) to exercise the powers contained in Sections 5 to 17 inclusive of the
London Local Authorities Act 2007 relating to advertisements;
(b) to investigate and gather evidence in respect of suspected offences
arising under Section 5 of the London Local Authorities Act; and
(c) to authorise officers for the purposes of Sections 13, 14, 15 ,16 and 17
of the Act which relate to the seizure of objects relating to
advertisement offences.
27. Westminster Cathedral Conservation Area Audit – 5
September 2008
Councillor Robert Davis agreed to adopt the Westminster Cathedral
Conservation Area Audit attached to the report as a Supplementary Planning
Document.
28. Victoria Station Upgrade (VSU) and Victoria Interchange
Group (VIG) – 15 September 2008
Councillor Robert Davis agreed that the request from VIG for financial support
towards the cost of legal representation at the public inquiry into LUL’s Victoria
Station Upgrade be declined.
29. Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square Conservation Area
Audit and Boundary Review - 26 September
Councillor Robert Davis agreed to:
1. Adopt the Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square Conservation
Area Audit (attached at Appendix 5 to the report) as a Supplementary
Planning Document.
2. The designation of the extension to the Westminster Abbey and
Parliament Conservation Area to include No. 4 Matthew Parker Street, as
detailed in the report and map at Appendix 4.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
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3. The Director of Planning and City Development being authorised to
publish a notice of the designation, specifying its effects, in the London
Gazette and at least one local newspaper circulating in the area: to give
notice to the Secretary of State and English Heritage and to take any
such steps as may be necessary to implement the designations.
CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
(Councillor Brian Connell)
30. Supporting the Post Offices at 272 Harrow Road and 12
Formosa Street - 29 August 2008*
Councillor Brian Connell agreed to work with Paddington Development Trust
(PDT) to enable offers of financial support to be made to the sub postmasters
at 272 Harrow Road and 12 Formosa Street post offices so that they can
continue to provide a post office service and to develop their businesses so
that they become self sustaining, but that no money be released until the
Director of Finance and Resources is satisfied that the sub-postmasters have
developed a robust business plan to secure their individual post offices.
31. Investments to support Harrow Road following the closure of
the Post Office at 272 Harrow Road, W9 – 18 September 2008
Councillor Brian Connell agreed:
1. That £100k be allocated to help fund the following 2 projects that will aid
the local economy and stimulate enterprise in the Harrow Road area:-
£60k for the expansion of the existing Harrow Road street frontage
improvement programme, providing shop front grants for Harrow Road
Bourne Terrace Local Shopping Centre and training to help Harrow Road
traders become more successful businesses, and £40k for the expansion
of the existing Youth Enterprise project to develop a more enterprising
culture amongst young people in the renewal areas of North
Westminster.
2. That £210,000 – the remainder of the £310,000 of the Local Authority
Business Growth Incentive resources currently allocated to support the
post offices - be returned to the Economic Development Reserve to
support the delivery of future projects that will benefit the economy in
Westminster in line with the Council’s One City objective ‘An Enterprising
City’ and the Council’s Economic Development Strategy 2008-11
priorities.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
20
CABINET MEMBER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORT
(Councillor Danny Chalkley)
32. Streetscape Improvements to Moreton Street and Garden
Terrace - 8 July
Councillor Danny Chalkey approved:
1. Implementation of the streetscape improvements as shown on drawing
CD-001 revision B, attached as Appendix A to the report.
2. Making or modifying traffic regulation orders under sections 6 and 45 of
the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 which are necessary to
accommodate the proposals as set out in Appendix C together with the
statement of reasons as set out therein.
3. The adoption of private roads to the extent shown on Plan Figure 1,
attached as Appendix A to the report, as public highway and to enter into
a legal agreement for that purpose under section 38 of the Highways Act
1980.
4. Capital expenditure of £625,000 to enable the implementation of the
proposals which has already been funded by the developer.
33. Motorcycle Parking Strategy II – 11 July 2008
Councillor Danny Chalkey approved:
1. The revised approach to the motorcycle parking strategy for the reasons
set out in the report.
2. The creation of up to an additional 900 motorcycle spaces in off-street
car parks.
3. The extension of the motorcycle parking charge to off-street spaces, with
payment of the charge allowing access both to on-street and off-street
parking spaces.
4. The new approach to security devices so that roll-out is to residential
areas only.
5. The delegation of authority to the Director of Parking in consultation with
the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport to determine the
precise date for the introduction of motorcycle parking charges, making
any traffic orders needed for the introduction of motorcycle charging,
including drafting statements of reasons.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
21
34. Howick Place – Streetscape Improvements – 15 July 2008
Councillor Danny Chalkey agreed:
1. That approval be given to the streetscape improvements shown on
drawing CD-01 attached as Appendix A, to be carried out by the City
Council.
2. That approval be given to the capital expenditure of £179,620 for the
design and implementation of the streetscape improvements, as shown
on drawing CD-01 attached as appendix A, to be carried out by the City
Council and fully funded by the developer of 9 Howick Place in advance
of any work being carried out.
3. That modifications to traffic regulation orders under sections 6 and 45 of
the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, which are necessary to
accommodate the proposals contained in Appendix D to this report, be
approved, together with the statement of reasons set out therein.
35. Legible London: Prototype Signage Extension and
Involvement in Transport for London Pilot Projects – 18 July
2008
Councillor Danny Chalkey agreed:
1. To extend the Legible London Prototype signage around Oxford Street
and Regent Street.
2. Capital expenditure necessary to complete the Prototype extension, fully
funded by TfL.
3. To participate in the TfL Pilot stage of Legible London if the bid is
successful.
4. Capital expenditure necessary to complete the Pilot stage of Legible
London, if fully funded by TfL.
5. To delegate authority to the Director of Transportation, in consultation
with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, to determine
appropriate locations for individual Legible London wayfinding signs
within the extended Prototype and Pilot areas.
6. The appointment of a Project Manager for the duration of the project to
manage the programme, funded by TfL.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
22
36. Response to petition from residents of Kilburn Lane – 24 July
2008
Councillor Danny Chalkey agreed:
1. That the City Council carries out a consultation-led study jointly with
Brent Council to investigate the practicability of the suggestions in the
petition up to a value of £35,000.
2. That based on the findings of the study, the City Council works with the
London Borough of Brent, local residents and the Queen’s Park Local
Area Renewal Partnership to agree an action plan to resolve the issues
and improve the quality of life for the local community.
3. That the Transportation Department notify Councillor Dimoldenberg and
the lead petitioners, Ms J Power and Ms L Power, of the Council’s
response to the petition.
4. That the Director of Transportation advises local residents of the
decisions taken.
37. Residents’ Parking Permit Fee Review – 2008 – 6 August 2008
Councillor Danny Chakley approved:
1. A residents’ parking permit fee (annual) increase from £115 to £120 for
first time applications and non-electronic renewals (the online renewal
fee to remain unchanged at £105 p.a.) an increase of 4.3%;
2. A discounted residents’ parking permit fee (annual) increase from £80
to £85 (an increase of 6.2%) for first time applications and non
electronic renewals, for vehicles fuelled by petrol or diesel with an
engine capacity of 1200 cc or less (the online renewal fee to remain
unchanged at £70 p.a.);
3. A doctors’, hospital, special, teachers’, and official parking permits
(annual) increase from £115 to £120;
4. A business parking permits (annual permits Zone C2 only) increase
from £275 to £285 an increase of 3.6%.; and
5. An “eco” residents’ parking permit to remain at £0 p.a.
6. Notices of variation being issued under section 46A of the Road Traffic
Regulation Act 1984, in order to give effect to the above discussions
and found in paragraph 2.4, and to the statement of reasons in
Appendix 1 of the report.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
23
38. Parking Policy Transformation: Loading and Unloading and
‘Common Sense’ Measures End of Pilot Review – 8 August
2008
Councillor Danny Chalkey agreed that:
1. The 40 minute loading/unloading allowance for HGVs (Heavy Goods
Vehicles) on yellow lines (where loading/unloading is permitted)
between 11am and 6.30pm should be made permanent policy,
subject to the making of the necessary traffic orders.
2. The common sense measures (as outlined in paragraphs 2.7 to 2.14
of the report) currently being trialled be adopted as permanent
enforcement policy.
3. The trial period for the 40 minute loading/unloading allowance be
extended to 31st March 2009 to allow for formal Traffic Management
Orders to be processed and completed.
4. Authority be delegated to the Assistant Director of Parking to make
the traffic orders (including drafting statements of reasons) to give
effect to the changes recommended in the report.
39. Warwick Street - Phase 2 Streetscape Improvements – 14
August 2008
Councillor Danny Chalkey agreed:
1. Phase 2 streetscape improvements shown on the consultation drawing
(TO-002A) attached as Appendix A to the report.
2. To modify and make traffic regulation orders under sections 6 and 45 of
the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, necessary to accommodate the
Phase 2 streetscape improvements as set out in Appendix D together
with the statement of reasons.
3. To capital expenditure of £470,000 to enable the implementation of
Phase 2, with all costs being met by The Crown Estate in advance of the
works proceeding.
40. Extension to the Highways and Transportation Services
Contracts in respect of: Bridges & Structures (Lot 3), and
Transportation Projects (Lot 4) – 2 September 2008*
Councillor Danny Chalkey approved the extension of the Highways and
Transportation Service Contracts in respect of Bridges & Structures (Lot 3)
and Transportation Projects (Lot 4) by a period of four years and six months
until 31st March 2014.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
24
41. Disabled White Badge Scheme proposals – 9 September 2008
Councillor Danny Chalkey agreed:
1. To align the White Badge scheme with the national Blue Badge scheme
and increase validity from 1 to 3 years.
2. To adopt the measures outlined as permanent policy for this scheme and
to align it with the resident permit scheme.
3. To the introduce the following:
£10 fee to add, remove or change a vehicle to the badge
£10 fee to facilitate a change in name on the badge
£10 fee to provide customers with a temporary Unique Reference
Number
£30 fee for reissue of all lost badges
4. That the cost to implement the above measures will be met from current
revenue budgets.
5. To delegate to the Director of Parking Services the power to make any
changes to traffic orders required for the implementation of the measures
in this report.
42. Parliamentary Estates Security – Feasibility and Initial Design
– 12 September 2008*
Councillor Danny Chalkey approved capital expenditure of up to £1,600,000
(externally funded) and authorised the Director of Transportation to develop
the design of security measures for the Parliamentary Estate through the City
Council’s officers and its Transportation Projects Service Provider (West One)
on behalf of the Parliamentary Estates Directorate.
43. Maintenance Management of Bridges and Other Highway
Structures – 2008/10 – 12 September 2008
Councillor Danny Chalkey agreed:
1. Capital expenditure of £530,000 to implement the 2008/09 programme
of Planned Preventative Maintenance to the City Council’s bridges and
other highway structures as detailed in paragraphs 4.2. to 4.4 of the
Report.
2. Capital expenditure of £540,000 to implement the 2009/10 programme
of Planned Preventative Maintenance to the City Council’s bridges and
other highway structures as detailed in paragraphs 4.2. to 4.4 of the
Report.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
25
44. Fortress House Streetscape Improvements – 23 September
2008
Councillor Danny Chalkey agreed:
1. That the streetscape improvements shown on drawing H-300-CD-01
rev B attached as Appendix A of the report be approve and to progress
the implementation of the proposals.
2. Capital expenditure of £260,500, which will be fully funded by the
developer under the terms of a section 106 agreement and in advance
of works commencing.
3. That power be delegated to the Director of Transportation to approve
the design and location of the proposed cycle stands and their
installation at a later date as part of the Council’s cycle parking
programme.
45. Road Management Group: Organisational changes to support
the implementation, operation and ongoing management of
the London Permit Scheme for Roadworks and Streetworks
(LoPS) under new powers provided by the Traffic Management
Act 2004 – 29 September 2008
Councillor Danny Chalkey agreed:
1. The proposed Road Management Group structure changes with the
current organisational structure in Appendix A of the report being
replaced with the new structure in Appendix B of the report, at a date to
be agreed between the Director of Human Resources and the Director of
Transportation.
2. That in line with Council policy, employees on the Council’s
Redeployment Register who are in a redundancy situation be given
priority consideration for the new post(s) created prior to the post(s)
being advertised (this may include providing training to the re- deployee,
where appropriate, subject to costs and individual potential benefit).
3. That the Director of Transportation be given delegated authority to
appoint authorised officers for the purpose of giving Fixed Penalty
Notices under Regulation 21 of the Traffic Management Permit Scheme
(England) Regulations.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
26
46. Reinstatement of a Right Turn for Buses from Bridge Street to
Parliament Street at Parliament Square – 7 October 2008
Councillor Danny Chalkey approved expenditure of £215,000 to implement the
highways works necessary to reinstate the right turn for buses (and cycles)
from Bridge Street into Parliament Street as shown on Plan nos. GA-01 and
GA-02 in Appendix A to the report.
47. Resident Parking Permit Scheme Proposals – 9 October 2008
Councillor Danny Chalkey agreed:
1. That the measures outlined in paragraphs 2.1.1 to 2.1.9 of the report be
adopted as permanent policy for this scheme.
2. To the introduction of a £10 fee to issue a Unique Reference Number
(URN) for a temporary change of vehicle.
3. To the increase in cost from £10 to £30 to replace a lost permit, and:
Noted that the costs to implement the above measures will be met from
current budgetary allowances and that power be delegated to the Director of
Parking Services to make any changes to traffic orders required to implement
the measures outlined in the report.
48. Middlesex Guildhall – Streetscape Improvements – 14 October
2008*
Councillor Danny Chalkey approved the streetscape improvements shown on
the consultation drawing in principle and related matters.
CABINET MEMBER FOR CUSTOMERS AND
NEIGHBOURHOODS (Councillor Audrey Lewis)
49. Broadley Street Gardens – Phase One Works – 4 July 2008
Councillor Audrey Lewis agreed the release of £195,000 from the approved
Capital Programme 2008/09, under Financial Regulation B8, to carry out
phase one works as described in the report.
50. Variation of the Leisure Management Contract for the
Council’s principal sports and leisure facilities following the
acquisition of the current leisure management contractor
(Cannons Health & Fitness) by Nuffield Hospitals – 21 July
2008*
Councillor Audrey Lewis agreed variations to the contracts as set out in the
report.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
27
51. One City Neighbourhoods programme – Expenditure from the
Ward Budget for Regent’s Park – 28 July 2008
Councillor Audrey Lewis approved expenditure of £70,556 towards the
projects in Appendix B of the report focussing on the priorities of 1) older
people, 2) younger people, and 3) recycling rates.
52. One City Neighbourhoods programme – Recommendations
for Expenditure from the Ward Budget for Queen’s Park – 28
July 2008
Councillor Audrey Lewis approved expenditure of £75,257 towards the
projects detailed in the appendices to the report focussed on improving the
local environment; improving community cohesion; providing additional
activities and services for young residents; developing ward-specific advice
services for residents; and developing and promoting the ‘active citizen’.
53. Talbot Square Railing Reinstatement and Landscape
Improvements – 31 July 2008
Councillor Audrey Lewis approved the design proposals and the draw down of
funds for £300,000 for landscape construction works at Talbot Square, under
Financial Regulations.
54. One City Neighbourhoods programme – Expenditure from the
Ward Budget for Lancaster Gate – 31 July 2008
Councillor Audrey Lewis approved expenditure of £70,597 towards:
1. Reducing anti social behaviour and crime in Lancaster Gate and
increasing the feeling of safety.
2. The provision of additional education support and a summer programme
of sporting activities for younger people.
3. Enhancing Queensway and Westbourne Grove through initial work
towards developing a Business Improvement District.
4. Every Older Person Matters – increasing the facilities in the ward for
older people with an emphasis on reducing loneliness.
55. One City Neighbourhoods Programme – Expenditure from the
Ward Budget for Harrow Road – 1 August 2008
Councillor Audrey Lewis approved expenditure of £76,684 on the following
projects, detailed in the Appendices to the report:
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
28
• Increased activities and services for young people in the ward
• Isolated and vulnerable residents
• Ward-specific advice services
• Improving the street environment
• Community Cohesion
• Consultation and engagement with residents on ward budget spending
56. One City Neighbourhoods Programme – Expenditure from the
Ward Budget for Knightsbridge and Belgravia – 5 August 2008
Councillor Audrey Lewis approved expenditure of £5,000 towards the
reinstatement of iron railings around Rutland Gate Garden in order to address
the need to improve the local environment, which is a priority outlined in the
Statement of Ward Members’ Priorities.
57. One City Neighbourhoods Programme – Expenditure from the
Ward Budget for Bayswater – 5 August 2008
Councillor Audrey Lewis approved expenditure of £67,500 towards improving
a) the streetscape on Westbourne Grove/Porchester Road; b) youth
employment opportunities by developing work placements with local
organisations; c) access for young people to facilities and activities in the
ward; and d) enhancing the shopping offer through the initial work towards a
Business Improvement District.
58. One City Neighbourhoods Programme – Expenditure from the
Ward Budget for Churchill Ward – 5 August 2008
Councillor Audrey Lewis approved expenditure of £23,692 as outlined in the
statement of Ward Members’ priorities in Appendix A of the report in order to
support children and young people, improving the local environment and
encouraging community cohesion.
59. One City Neighbourhoods Programme – Expenditure from the
Ward Budget for Westbourne – 5 August 2008
Councillor Audrey Lewis approved expenditure of £12,000 towards improving
the local environment in Westbourne, as set out in more detail at paragraph
2.4 of the report.
60. Groundwork North London – Westminster Representative – 5
August 2008
Councillor Audrey Lewis agreed that the City Council’s representative on the
Groundwork North London Trust will in future be in accordance with the policy
for nominations to outside bodies operated by the Director of Legal and
Administrative Services.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
29
61. Annual Revenue Funding to Voluntary Sector Organisations
2009/10 – 12 August 2008
Councillor Audrey Lewis concurred with the Cabinet Member for Health and
Adult Services and the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services on the
application process, timetable and priorities for allocation of funding to
voluntary sector organisations in Westminster in 2009/10 as set out in this
report.
62. Capital ICT Project – MyWestminster – 18 August 2008
Councillor Audrey Lewis concurred with the Cabinet Member for Finance and
Support Services on the drawdown of funding from the capital programme of
£249,943 to fund the next stage of the My Westminster project under the One
City programme for 2008/09.
63. One City Neighbourhoods Programme – Expenditure from the
Ward Budget for Church Street – 19 August 2008
1. Councillor Audrey Lewis approved expenditure of £100,000 towards:
A Community Gardener post to be commissioned in accordance
with the Procurement Code.
A Projects Budget to be managed by the Director of Community
Protection as Church Street Ward Champion, in consultation with
the Community Open Spaces Steering Group. The project budget
will be available for spend on gardening and open spaces projects
that achieve the outputs detailed in the specification for the
Community Gardener Post (see appendix A of the report) and in
accordance with the Open Spaces Management Structure (see
appendix B of the report) and subject to agreement that there is no
conflict with Council priorities such as Community Build.
The development of a garden by young people to provide them
with a place to meet, talk, relax and think and to learn about
gardening and growing food and to take part in other outdoor
activities.
Children and young people’s gardening and open spaces activities
in schools and wider community activities.
2. That the Director of Community Protection be given delegated authority
to agree expenditure from the Project Budget referred to in 1 above, in
consultation with the Community Open Spaces Steering Group, for the
purposes set out in Appendix A in the report.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
30
64. ActiveWestminster: Approval of the Council’s sport and
physical activity strategy (2008-2013) – 19 September 2008
Councillor Audrey Lewis approved the formalisation and publication of the
Council’s ActiveWestminster strategy for 2008-2013 which will form the
‘framework’ of planning and development for the Council’s sports and leisure
service, subject to minor changes as agreed between the Cabinet Member
and the Principal Sport and Leisure Services Manager.
65. Little Venice Sports Centre: Approval of the formal naming of
the new sports centre at Crompton Street – 19 September
2008
Councillor Audrey Lewis approved the formal naming of the Council’s new
sports centre located at Crompton Street as the ‘Little Venice Sports Centre –
The Centre of Excellence for Physical Activity’.
66. Response to Petition Concerning Women Only Swimming
Provision – 24 September 2008
Councillor Audrey Lewis agreed that Council Officers continue to work with
Cannons Health and Fitness with a view to improving the provision of female
only swimming sessions and assist with the training and development of
volunteers to support the delivery of future provision, and that the Principal
Sports and Leisure Services Manager notifies Councillor Toki and the lead
petitioner of the Council’s response to the petition.
CABINET MEMBER FOR CHILDREN’S SERVICES
(Councillor Sarah Richardson)
67. Charges for School Meals – 3 July 2008
Councillor Sarah Richardson agreed that the charge levied in nursery, primary
and special schools, in respect of primary aged pupils, be raised from £1.60 to
£1.65, that at special schools, in respect of secondary aged pupils, it be raised
from £1.65 to £1.70, and adult meals be raised from £2.10 to £2.15.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
31
68. One Year Extension of the Contract to Provide Careers Service
(Careers Specific Information, Advice and Guidance) and
Reconstitution of Central London Connexions Partnership – 21
July 2008*
Councillor Sarah Richardson agreed:
1. That the one year extension to the contract with Careers Management
Capital for the provision of Careers Specific Information, Advice and
Guidance from 1 April 2009 at a total estimated cost of £975,019 be
approved.
2. That the Council enters into a Memorandum of Participation in respect of
the revised constitution of the Central London Connexions Partnership.
3. That the Directors of Children, Young People and Families and Legal and
Administrative Services be authorised to conclude all necessary
documentation accordingly.
69. Proposed Changes to the Assistance with Home to School
Travel Scheme for Pupils of Compulsory School Age – 12
August 2008
Councillor Sarah Richardson agreed:
1. That, in light of the statutory requirements and consultation responses,
the new policy for assistance with home to school travel for children of
compulsory school age effective from 1 September 2008 set out in the
report be approved.
2. That the following existing delegations to the Director of Schools and
Learning be confirmed:
- to administer the City Council’s policy for Assistance with Home to
School Travel, and;
- to issue free travel passes in exceptional circumstances.
3. Additional delegated authority be given to the Director of Schools and
Learning to approve any future changes to the Council’s Assistance with
Home to School Travel policy as may be necessary or desirable.
70. Annual Revenue Funding to Voluntary Sector Organisations
2009/10 – 12 August 2008
Councillor Sarah Richardson agreed the application process, timetable and
priorities for allocation of funding to voluntary sector organisations in
Westminster in 2009/10 as set out in this report.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
32
71. Positive Parenting in Westminster – 22 August 2008
Councillor Sarah Richardson approved the strategy attached to the report,
as a basis for the development of parent support in Westminster to 2010.
72. Quintin Kynaston School: £2 million Endowment and
proposed change to Foundation status – 2 September 2008
Councillor Sarah Richardson having had regard to the City Council’s current
City Plan and the relevant statutory guidance, considered that the provision of
an endowment to the Governing Body of Quintin Kynaston School is likely to
achieve the promotion of the improvement of the economic and social well
being of part of the Westminster area and/or any persons resident or present
in the Westminster area and therefore agreed:
i) To support the wish of the Governing Body of Quintin Kynaston School
to change the school’s status from being a community school to
becoming a foundation school;
ii) An Endowment Fund of £2 million be transferred to the Foundation
Governors of Quintin Kynaston School once constituted and once all
agreements are reached, to be held in accordance with the agreed
purposes and proposed terms and conditions set out in the report, and
subject to any contractual or other arrangements necessary to give
effect to the endowment and with the Acting Director of Children’s
Services being authorised to agree the detail of such terms, conditions
and arrangements;
iii) That subject to the successful completion of the statutory process,
upon the acquisition of foundation status, the Council’s legal interest in
the site occupied by Quintin Kynaston School be transferred to the
Governing Body of the school save for the area to be occupied by the
Key Stage 3 Pupil Referral Unit;
iv) That, if necessary, an application be made to the Schools Adjudicator to
exclude the land to be occupied by the Key Stage 3 Pupil Referral Unit
from the land transfer.
v) That on the acquisition of foundation status those staff formerly
employed by the City Council who wish to do so be transferred to the
employment of the Governing Body of Quintin Kynaston School and
that the contracts of any staff who do not wish to transfer be terminated
immediately before the implementation date.
vi) That the Instrument of Government of Quintin Kynaston School be
amended accordingly; and
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
33
vii) That the Acting Directors of Children’s Services, the Head of Property
and the Director of Legal and Administrative Services be authorised to
do everything necessary to give effect to the above recommendations.
73. Children, Young People & Family Services Annual
Complaints Report 2007-08 – 2 September 2008
Councillor Sarah Richardson agreed the Annual Complaints Report for
Children, Young People and Family Services, attached to the report and
endorsed the learning lessons and proposed improvements identified and
that consideration be given to additional training for front-line staff to improve
their communication skills and a timetable be established for rolling out
complaints training in 2008-09.
74. Adoption Service Statement of Purpose – 11 September 2008
Councillor Sarah Richardson agreed the revised Statement of Purpose of the
Adoption Service attached to the report, and noted the information on the work
of the service as evidence that the work of the adoption agency is effective
and achieves good outcomes for children.
75. Re-organisation of the Children’s Services Department – 9
October 2008
Councillor Sarah Richardson agreed that:
a) The management structures for the Children’s Services Department, as
set out in appendix 2 of the report be established, replacing the
management structures of the existing Department as set out in appendix
1, by deletion of the following posts:
Director of Children’s Commissioning
Head of Commissioning (Preventative Services)
b) The following posts be created:
Assistant Director (Joint Commissioning – Children’s Services)
Integrated Working Training Manager
c) The redesignation of the following posts:
Deputy Chief Executive, Director of Children’s Services to Director of
Children’s Services.
Head of Contracts to Joint Head of Contracts, Children’s Services.
With effect from a date to be agreed between the Director of Children’s
Services (Acting) and Director of Human Resources.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
34
(d) The grade and remuneration package for each post in the new
structure be determined by the Director of Human Resources in line
with the Council’s reward Strategy.
(e) In line with Council policy, employees on the Council’s Redeployment
Register who are in a redundancy situation will be given priority
consideration for the new posts created in the Report prior to the posts
being advertised. This may include providing training to the redeployee,
where appropriate, subject to costs and individual potential benefit.
(f) Every effort will be made to assimilate, redeploy or find suitable
alternative employment for the postholders affected by this
reorganisation. However, should it not be possible to redeploy such
individuals that they be declared redundant with effect from a date to be
agreed between the Director of Children’s Services (Acting), and the
Director of Human Resources, and paid benefits in accordance with the
Council’s Discretionary Compensation Policy 2007.
CABINET MEMBER FOR HEALTH AND ADULT SOCIAL
SERVICES (Councillor Edward Argar)
76. Proposal to Develop a Section 75 Partnership Arrangement for
the Provision of Integrated Mental Health Services for Adults –
3 July 2008
Councillor Edward Argar agreed that:
1. A project to develop a formal partnership agreement between
Westminster City Council Adult Services and Central and North West
London Mental Health (CNWL) Foundation NHS Trust to facilitate the
effective provision of integrated mental health services for adults be
taken forward.
2. A project manager be appointed to take forward this project (funded by
CNWL) so that it can be completed for implementation as of April 2009.
3. A stakeholder workshop be held in the Spring to confirm the aims, to
address the questions outlined in the report, to allow a preferred model to
be identified and to consider any other issues arising from the proposal.
4. Progress on the project will be reported regularly and a detailed proposal
brought to the Cabinet Member for consideration later in the year.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
35
77. Response to a Petition Presented to the Council Meeting on 7
May 2008, on behalf of Westminster Older People’s Action
Calling for the Council to Take Action on a Number of Issues
Affecting Older Residents – 29 July 2008
Councillor Edward Argar agreed that the petition submitted by Councillor Flight
to Council on 7 May be noted and agreed the actions which have arisen from
the petition.
78. Annual Revenue Funding to Voluntary Sector Organisations
2009/10 – 12 August 2008
Councillor Edward Argar concurred with the Cabinet Member for Customers
and Neighbourhoods and the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services on the
application process, timetable and priorities for allocation of funding to
voluntary sector organisations in Westminster in 2009/10 as set out in this
report.
79. Response to a petition calling for the City Council to protect
services provided by Age Concern in light of the loss of
contract to provide day centre services for the elderly – 2
September 2008
Councillor Edward Argar noted the petition submitted by Councillor Taylor to
Council on 16 July 2008 and agreed the actions as outlined in the report which
have arisen from the petition.
CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY PROTECTION
(Councillor Daniel Astaire)
80. CCTV Staffing Contract - Award of Contract – 30 July 2008*
Councillor Daniel Astaire agreed:
1. That a contract for the provision of CCTV Staffing be awarded to Chubb
Security Personnel Ltd for a period of 4 years and 9 months from
October 2008 to July 2013 set up on the basis of an initial 12 months with
a first option to extend for 9 months and a further option to extend for a
period or periods to a maximum of 36 months.
2. That following contract commencement the Director of Community
Protection be authorised to negotiate any variations to the contract prices
that become necessary as a result of changes to service levels that are
required but not exceeding a total of more than 10% of the contract sum,
subject to the necessary budget approvals.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
36
81. Employment of one Student Mortuary Technician from
September 2008 – 15 August 2008
Councillor Daniel Astaire approved the employment of a student mortuary
technician from September 2008. The cost of the employment will be met
within the existing budget (including a contribution from the Royal Borough of
Kensington & Chelsea amounting to 45% of the cost) in 2008/09.
82. Replacement of Refrigerators at Westminster Council’s
Mortuary – 21 August 2008
Councillor Daniel Astaire agreed:
1. That, in order that the Mortuary can continue to function effectively in
connection with its role as the Inner London Coroner’s “Disaster”
mortuary all the existing refrigeration units, except those recently
installed in the new forensic suite, be replaced by the same number of
units in order to maintain the overall capacity.
2. That the Director of Community Protection be authorised to instigate a
procurement exercise to identify a contractor to purchase and install the
quantity and type of Refrigeration/Freezer units, as set out in the report.
83. The Creation of the Crime and Disorder Reduction Service – 21
August 2008
Councillor Daniel Astaire approved the proposal to create a Crime and
Disorder Reduction Service from the existing staff and structure in the Crime
and Disorder Reduction Team and CivicWatch.
84. Proposal to transfer the Westminster Domestic Violence Forum
coordinator post to the Crime and Disorder Reduction Team –
18 September 2008
Councillor Daniel Astaire approved the proposal to transfer the Westminster
Domestic Violence Forum Coordinator post to the Crime and Disorder
Reduction Team once the current contract ends in September 2008 and
agreed to create a new post in the Community Protection Department of
Domestic Violence Forum Coordinator at a grade to be determined by the
Director of Human Resources.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
37
85. Authority to consult on the Noise Issues and Option Report and
to carry out the Strategic Environmental Assessment – 1
October 2008
Councillor Daniel Astaire agreed the proposals to carry out a public
consultation on the Noise Issues and Options Report; permit officers to make
any necessary final changes to the Issues and Options Report, subject to
briefing the Cabinet Member prior to the report’s publication; make a formal
determination that a Strategic Environmental Assessment be carried out of the
Westminster Noise Strategy; proceed with carrying out a Strategic
Environmental Assessment of the Noise Strategy; and authorised the Director
of Community Protection to carry out any consultation needed on the Strategic
Environmental Assessment of the Noise Strategy and any necessary
procedural steps relating to this.
CABINET MEMBER FOR HOUSING
(Councillor Philippa Roe)
86. Scheme and Estimate for the Installation of New Door Entry
Systems to High-rise Tower Blocks on the Warwick and
Brindley Estates at Westbourne Green – 10 July 2008
Councillor Philippa Roe approved expenditure totalling £385,437.00 for works
and professional fees for the installation of Door Entry Systems into the
ground floor entrances of each block connecting up to the existing systems on
each landing level, and installing control units into each flat for the purposes of
Financial Regulation B.8.
87. Scheme and Estimate for the Installation of Digital Television
Systems to Blocks within Westminster – 14 July 2008
Councillor Philippa Roe approved expenditure totalling £6,812,825.00 for
works costs for the purposes of Financial Regulation B.8. and the total scheme
cost of £8,233,065.18, inclusive of works, contingency, professional fees, and
CityWest Homes fees in respect the installation of Digital Television to
properties across Westminster City Council.
88. Scheme and Estimate for Internal decoration works to
Luxborough Tower, Marylebone – 21 July 2008
Councillor Philippa Roe approved the scheme and estimate report for
expenditure totalling £419,952 for works and professional fees for the
purposes of financial regulation B.8
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
38
89. Scheme and Estimate for External Works to Various Blocks on
Church Street Estate – 21 July 2008
Councillor Philippa Roe approved the scheme and estimate report for
expenditure totalling £1,477,356 for works and professional fees for the
purposes of Financial Regulation B.8.
90. Scheme and estimate for external works to Townshend Road
Estate and Wellington Road Estate, St John’s Wood – 21 July
2008
Councillor Philippa Roe approved the scheme and estimate report for
expenditure totalling £3,648,042 for works and professional fees for the
purposes of Financial Regulation B.8
91. Scheme and estimate for external works to Brunswick Court
and Dalkeith Court, Pimlico Estate – 1 August 2008
Councillor Philippa Roe approved expenditure totalling £1,683,867 for works
and professional fees for the purposes of Financial Regulation B.8.
92. Scheme and estimate for external works to Vincent House,
Pimlico Estate – 1 August 2008
Councillor Philippa Roe approved expenditure totalling £363,343 for works and
professional fees for the purposes of Financial Regulation B.8.
93. Scheme and estimate for the installation of new Door Entry
Systems and new door screens to the low-rise blocks on the
Warwick Estate – 8 August 2008
Councillor Philippa Roe approved expenditure totalling £726,980.00 for works
and professional fees for the installation of Door Entry Systems into the
ground floor entrances of each block connecting up to new handsets installed
in each flat and installation of new door screens for the purposes of Financial
Regulation B.8.
94. Scheme and Estimate for the installation of new Door Entry
Systems, new main doors and door screens to blocks on
Mozart Estate – 11 August 2008
Councillor Philippa Roe approved expenditure totalling £288,320.00 for works
and professional fees for the installation of new doors, new screens and Door
Entry Systems into the ground floor entrances of each block connecting up to
new handsets installed in each flat for the purposes of Financial Regulation
B.8.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
39
95. Scheme and estimate for the essential electrical remedial
works at Church Street Village – 22 August 2008
Councillor Philippa Roe approved expenditure totalling £2,200,00 for works
and professional fees for the essential electrical remedial works at Church
Street Village for the purposes of Financial Regulation B.8.
96. The CityWest Homes Delivery Plan 2008/9 – 4 September 2008
Councillor Philippa Roe approved the CityWest Homes Delivery Plan for the
year 2008/9.
97. Settled Homes Scheme – Setting up the Charity - 11
September 2008
Councillor Philippa Roe approved the composition of the Board, the
shareholding and the strategic and contractual arrangements as set out in
paragraph 3.2 of the report and authorised the Director of Housing to set up
the Charity on the appropriate basis.
98. Developments on Temporary to Settled Homes Scheme – 16
September 2008
Councillor Philippa Roe concurred with the Cabinet Member for Finance and
Support Services that:
1. The Director of Housing be authorised to finalise the details and
implement the Temporary to Settled Homes Scheme.
2. The funding for the scheme prior to reassignment via a loan to CWH up
to a maximum value of £15m be approved. The initial loan will be treated
as capital expenditure and funded from borrowing. The repayment will be
treated as a capital receipt and used to fund other projects in the capital
programme.
99. William Blake House, 8 Marshall Street – Condition of Property
– Major Works – 24 September 2008*
Councillor Philippa Roe concurred with the Cabinet Member for Finance and
Support Services and agreed the way forward detailed in the report.
100. Approval for an award of grant to Crisis to enable the
commissioning of independent research into Soup Runs - 24
September 2008
Councillor Philippa Roe approved the award of grant of £30,000 to Crisis to
enable them to commission an independent piece of research into Soup Runs.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
40
101. Scheme and Estimate Report for Essential Heating/Hot Water/
Landlord Electrical Services and Fire Control Panel on the
Wellington Road Estates – 9 October 2008
Councillor Philippa Roe agreed expenditure totalling £755,368, for the
purposes of Financial Regulation B.8, for works and professional fees for the
essential heating/hot water and electrical lighting/lateral mains works and fire
control panel to Wellington Road Estate NW8.
102. Revised Scheme and Estimate Approval for the Phase 4 of
Queen’s Park Structural Repairs and Void Refurbishment – 9
October 2008
Councillor Philippa Roe agreed expenditure totalling £424,082.72, for the
purposes of Financial Regulation B.8, inclusive of contingencies and
professional fees.
Colin Wilson
Director of Legal and Administrative Services
___________________________________
Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1972 – Background Papers
The reports as submitted to the individual Cabinet Members as referred to
above. The reports marked * are exempt from disclosure for the reasons set
out in the reports.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
41
REPORT OF THE WESTMINSTER SCRUTINY COMMISSION ON
14 JULY 2008
The following Members of the Commission were present: Councillors Tony
Devenish (Chairman), Nickie Aiken, Angela Harvey, Mark Page, Barrie Taylor
and Judith Warner.
1. Policy & Scrutiny(P&S) Committees - Chairmen’s Verbal
Update Reports
(a) We received updates on recent scrutiny work carried out by the Committees
and their associated Task Groups.
(b) We noted that the Crime and Disorder Policy and Scrutiny Committee had now
been established, and that items for consideration at its first meeting on
2 September would include crime protection and prevention; a performance
update on Local Area Agreement measures; and the police approach to
Neighbourhoods.
2. Leader’s Question & Answer Session
(a) We received an update on the Leader’s emerging priorities and asked the
Leader a variety of questions on matters relating to his portfolio and the
strategic direction of the Council, to which he responded.
(b) Questions put by the Commission included litter and cleansing; future funding
in care arrangements for Westminster’s older residents; and the effect of the
Day Care Centre relet on Age Concern Westminster.
(c) Questions asked by members of the public included helicopter activity over
central Westminster; development plans for Leicester Square; and the use of
CCTV cameras in parking and enforcement.
3. The Government Relations Programme
(a) We received a report outlining some of the key elements of the Council’s
Government Relations Programme over the last 12 months, which provided an
overview of lobbying activity and ongoing priorities.
(b) We discussed how information gained through the work of P&S Committees
was assimilated into the development of priorities for lobbying. We commented
that the profile of joint scrutiny of Health issues between boroughs needed to
be raised in the City Council’s lobbying activity.
(c) We suggested that future reports could be more concise, and define the
strategy for lobbying activity and ongoing priorities.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
42
4. Approval of the Policy & Scrutiny Committee Work
Programmes for 2008/09
(a) We received and approved a report that detailed the proposed P&S Committee
Work Programmes for 2008/09, and agreed the establishment of three new
Task Groups and the retention of seven existing Task Groups.
(b) We noted that, as the review of planning consultation did not fall within the
powers of scrutiny, the main purpose of the Amberley Motor Project Task
Group had been removed. We accordingly agreed that the Amberley Motor
Project Task Group be concluded, and that Members take up any remaining
issues directly with the relevant Officers.
(c) We agreed to review the use of the City Council’s CCTV, in order to confirm
that Westminster’s surveillance operations complied with the requirements of
the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. We noted that the review of
CCTV would fall within the terms of reference of the Built Environment and
Crime & Disorder P&S Committees, and agreed to establish a cross-cutting
Task Group that would consider the two elements of parking enforcement and
estate security.
(d) We highlighted the need for Policy and Scrutiny Committees to be aware of
forthcoming Cabinet Member decisions at an early stage, in order to have the
opportunity to comment on reports and make an effective contribution before
they are formally submitted to Cabinet Members.
5. Westminster Policy & Scrutiny Review Programme 2008/09
(a) We discussed and agreed the principal areas of review work proposed by the
Scrutiny & Improvement Team, and noted that the delegated authority for the
research budget of £30,000 for 2008/09 available for Policy and Scrutiny
Committee activity budget now rested with the Director of Policy &
Performance.
(b) We noted the proposed protocol covering the P&S function in Westminster, and
agreed that individual Chairmen would refer the schedule of proposed review
topics back to their Committees, so issues to be taken forward could be
identified. We agreed that Chairmen were responsible for the workload and
outcomes of their Committees and that the Westminster Scrutiny Commission
should not become an extra layer of bureaucracy.
6. Annual Report on Policy & Scrutiny Activity
(a) We received and approved the P&S annual report, which set out the work of
the Westminster Scrutiny Commission, P&S Committees and Task Groups
over the past municipal year.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
43
(b) We agreed that the format of future annual reports would be reviewed, and
should be clearer and more focussed. We also agreed that the report should
outline the best practice outcomes of the various P&S Committees, relating to
customers, residents, business, other community stakeholders and officers,
and not be a list of all of the work that had been undertaken.
Tony Devenish, Chairman
_________________________________
Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1972 – Background Papers:
The agenda and reports to the Westminster Scrutiny Commission on 14 July
2008
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
44
REPORT OF THE STANDARDS COMMITTEE ON 14 JULY 2008
The following Members of the Committee were present:
Councillors Ruth Bush, Robert Davis, Tim Mitchell and Steve Summers and the
following Independent Members: Lord Richard Best, OBE, The Very Reverend
John Hall, Elizabeth Peace, OBE and Lord Dennis Stevenson, CBE
Also present: Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg
1. Appointment of Chairman and Vice-Chairman
(a) We have appointed the Very Reverend John Hall as our Chairman and Lord
Richard Best, OBE as our Vice-Chairman.
2. Role of the Standards Committee
(a) As this was the first meeting of the Committee since its increase in
membership we received a brief presentation by the Director of Legal and
Administrative Services on our role.
3. The New Locally Based Standards Framework
(a) We reported to the last ordinary meeting of the Council that a more locally
based standards framework had been introduced. We also reported that we
had agreed in principle to the establishment of three Sub-Committees, to be
formally established at this meeting. We also agreed to consider a further
report addressing the various process issues which we had raised in relation
to the framework.
(b) We have agreed changes to the terms of reference of the Sub-Committees so
as to give each of the Sub-Committees a combination of all the terms of
reference originally proposed to be given to the Sub-Committees separately.
We have also appointed the membership of each of the Sub-Committees and
agreed the order in which these would generally meet. We have delegated
authority to the Director of Legal and Administrative Services to alter the
sequence in which Sub-Committees deal with allegations in circumstances
where Members are unavailable for any reason or it is desirable to alter the
sequence for other reasons.
(c) We agreed the procedures to be followed in respect of allegations of breaches
of the Member Code of Conduct and in doing so delegated authority to the
Director of Legal and Administrative Services to amend these in consultation
with the Chairman of the Committee or of relevant Sub-Committee. We also
agreed to recommend Council to amend Standing Order 39 (1) (relating to
meetings open to all Members) by adding the Standards Committees and the
Standards Sub-Committees to the list of meetings to which it applies.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
45
(d) The report we considered is attached at Appendix A.
We recommend: That Standing Order 39 (1) be amended by the addition of
the Standards Committee and the Standards Sub-Committees to the list of
meetings to which the Standing Order applies.
4. Protocol/Guidelines to Avoid Potential Conflicts of Interest
Following the Appointment of Councillor Sir Simon Milton as a
Special Adviser for Planning to Boris Johnson, Mayor for
London
(a) We have noted and endorsed the protocol/guidelines produced, in
consultation with Councillors Robert Davis and Sir Simon Milton and GLA
Laywers, to avoid potential conflicts of interest following Sir Simon Milton’s
appointment as a Special Planning Adviser to Boris Johnson, the Mayor for
London. We also agreed an amendment which reflected the decision of the
GLA that Councillor Milton will not be asked to advise on Westminster
applications.
(b) The report also explained the legal position in relation to the so called
“Widdecombe Rules” which, through provisions contained in the Local
Government and Housing Act 1989 (and other legislation), regulate the
practice of “twin tracking”, ie Members of one local authority being employees
of another. We deferred considering this aspect as we understood an
announcement relating to Sir Simon Milton’s future would make it unnecessary
for us to do so.
5. Applications for Dispensation from the Code of Conduct
(a) We have granted applications for dispensation from the City Council’s Code of
Conduct from three Members, namely Councillors Alan Bradley, Margaret
Doyle and Carolyn Keen in respect of a forthcoming meeting of the Planning
Applications Sub-Committee, to enable them to consider a planning
application submitted by Mrs Hazel Marshall, wife of Councillor Harvey
Marshall.
The Very Reverend JOHN HALL, Chairman
_________________________________________
Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1972 – Background Papers
Reports to and Minutes of the Standards Committee on 14 July 2008
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
46
REPORT OF THE CRIME & DISORDER POLICY & SCRUTINY
COMMITTEE ON 2 SEPTEMBER 2008
The following Members of the Committee were present:-
Councillors Tony Devenish (Chairman), Jean-Paul Floru, Mehfuz Ahmed,
Alan Bradley and Paul Dimoldenberg
Also Present: Councillors Daniel Astaire and Ian Rowley
1. Question & Answer Session with the GLA Member of the
Metropolitan Police Authority and Deputy Mayor for Policing,
Kit Malthouse
(a) We received an oral presentation from the GLA Member of the Metropolitan
Police Authority and Deputy Mayor for Policing, Kit Malthouse, who outlined
the Mayor’s priorities for the year, including developing joint-working on crime
and disorder issues with local authorities and stakeholders; tackling knife
crime; and developing coherent definitions on crime and disorder.
(b) We subsequently tabled questions about the value of crime-mapping, the
relationship between the GLA and the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA),
investment in Safer Neighbourhood Teams, youth sentencing and how to
create a cultural change to tackle knife crime.
2. Safer Westminster Performance
(a) We considered and noted a report on the performance of the Safer
Westminster Partnership between April and June 2008. Particular attention
was paid to National Indicator 16 which related to serious acquisitive crime as
although there had been a reduction in robbery and burglary rates, there had
been a rise in car theft. The reason for this was being assessed by the
Metropolitan Police.
(b) Our subsequent discussions focussed on the reduction in gun crime, the
perception of safety amongst the public and forthcoming challenges.
3. Work Programme
(a) We discussed and noted the Committee’s Work Programme in particular
focussing on two forthcoming Task Groups (Covert Surveillance &
Responding to Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour on the City's Housing
Estates) which are linked to crime and disorder issues.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
47
(b) Discussions were also held on the role of the Crime and Disorder Policy &
Scrutiny Committee going forward and the role of the Community Protection
department.
TONY DEVENISH, Chairman
_________________________________________
Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1972 – Background Papers
The agenda, reports and minutes of the meeting of the Crime & Disorder
Policy & Scrutiny Committee on 2 September 2008
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
48
REPORT OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT POLICY AND SCRUTINY
COMMITTEE ON 3 SEPTEMBER 2008
The following Members of the Committee were present: -
Councillors Angela Harvey (Chairman), Carolyn Keen (Vice-Chairman), Ian
Adams, Alan Bradley, Susie Burbridge, Ruth Bush and Frixos Tombolis
Also present: Councillors Ed Argar, Danny Chalkley, Robert Davis, Lindsey
Hall, Alastair Moss and Steve Summers
1. Matters Arising from the Last Meeting
(a) We considered an information report which had been requested at our last
meeting on S106 activity. We raised questions on a number of issues
including: i) how the Council monitored the delivery of benefits received
through the planning process and ii) how the Council ensured that benefits
which were offered in kind were followed through and that successive
generations to whom the benefits were available knew about them. We were
concerned and disappointed to note that the Westminster Primary Care Trust
(PCT) did not have a developed policy in respect of S106 benefits. The
Planning and City Development Department had raised such concerns directly
with the PCT. We were advised that it was as a result of Council pressure and
working on opportunities with the PCT that Westminster had provided more
improvements to health care facilities than any other central London borough.
(b) We noted that the Council had recently published supplementary planning
guidance on S106 to guide developers. This would also assist other Council
departments in obtaining benefits. We further noted that the Government had
published proposals to replace S106 agreements with the Community
Infrastructure Levy.
(c) We considered that the report and brief discussion had raised a number of
important issues and that the subject warranted more detailed consideration
and should be included on the agenda for the Committee’s next meeting.
2. Question and Answer Session with the Cabinet Members for
the Built Environment and Environment and Transport
(a) We received briefing notes from the Cabinet Members for the Built
Environment, Community Protection, Communities and Economic
Development and Environment and Transport in advance of our meeting on
issues within their portfolios which the Committee had a remit to scrutinise.
(b) We put forward questions and comments, and received responses, from
Councillor Robert Davis, Cabinet Member for the Built Environment, in respect
of the following issues: i) how the Council was preparing for London 2012; ii)
the Council’s campaign to improve the quality of design across Westminster’s
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
49
built environment and iii) the Council’s ‘Go Green’ agenda, in particular what
measures the Council was taking to ensure that all its operations were
sustainable
(c) We then put forward questions and comments, and received responses, from
Councillor Danny Chalkley, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport,
in respect of the following issues: i) details regarding the formation of the
Member Steering Group which would advise on the re-let of the Waste
Collection, Recycling and Street Cleansing Contract; ii) the recently launched
initiative to set a new standard for Westminster’s public realm/street
environment; and iii) electric vehicles - what impact, if any, such vehicles had
on air quality and in particular CO2 emissions.
3. Update on the Development of the Local Development
Framework
(a) We received an oral update from the Cabinet Member for the Built
Environment and Councillor Alastair Moss, Chairman of the Planning and City
Development Committee, on the City Council’s progress in developing its
Local Development Framework (LDF).
(b) We have noted that the Core Strategy Preferred Options was currently out to
public consultation and that the second key document within the LDF – the
City Management Development Planning Document – would shortly also be
published for public consultation. We further noted that the Local Development
Scheme (LDS), the work programme for producing the LDF, which was
produced in 2005 and revised in 2007 was now out of date due to new
Government direction. The Council hoped to finalise a revised one by the end
of the year.
4. Parking Services Consultation
(a) We received three parking related reports as part of a consultation on Parking
Services in Westminster.
(b) The first report (Enforcement Strategy and Future of Parking) set out the
current position on enforcement levels in Westminster, providing context
behind the current parking behaviour and its effect on Penalty Charge Notice
(PCN) levels and revenue. It also outlined why cameras were used for CCTV
enforcement, and explained their contribution to the future enforcement
strategy. The report also considered the role that Civil Enforcement Officers
(C.E.Os) were able to provide in a wider street role as part of that strategy.
(c) As part of our aim to engage more fully with residents, businesses and other
service users we invited questions from the public gallery. We firstly heard
from Paul Pearson, a parking consumer campaigner on his concerns
regarding the Council’s use of CCTV for parking enforcement.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
50
(d) Some of our Members expressed the view that the use of CCTV enforcement
went against the spirit of Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 which
aims to strike a balance between a system which is fair to the motorist while
also being effective in enforcing parking regulations. They considered that
CCTV could not take into consideration issues which a C.E.O could and
therefore shifted the balance away from being fair. Some concern was also
raised regarding the need to install signage on every camera which would add
clutter to the streetscape.
(e) We noted the Director of Parking’s explanation for the reason that the Council
used CCTV, which was to enforce yellow line parking contraventions and
moving traffic contraventions. It was not possible for CEO’s to be everywhere
and keep moving on drivers who persistently contravened parking rules. We
further noted that the use of CCTV enforcement was proportional and
accounted for only 10% of all PCN’s issued by the Council and that remedial
action was being instigated to redress the lack of signage and the information
about where cameras were deployed.
(f) The Westminster Scrutiny Commission has established a task group to be
undertaken jointly between our Committee and the Crime and Disorder Policy
and Scrutiny Committee on the authority’s use of CCTV. The intention is that
the use of CCTV for parking enforcement would be examined as part of the
scrutiny.
(g) We then received representations on behalf of a number of motorcyclists in
the public gallery who objected to the Council’s introduction of charging for
motorcycle parking. We noted the Director of Parking’s explanation that the
charges had been introduced to reflect the increased demand for and
provision of motorcycle parking spaces. We requested that the Director of
Parking provide a written response to the specific questions raised by the
motorcyclists and that this be copied to the Committee.
(h) The second paper (Every Older Person Matters – A Carers Parking
Scheme for the Elderly) set out the progress that had been made thus far in
developing proposals to implement a carers parking scheme that offered
parking concessions for carers and people visiting older relatives in
Westminster. It provided some background and rationale for introducing a
scheme and outlined two proposals.
(i) We heard from David Hogarth, Westminster Older People’s Action, who
informed us that older people in Westminster welcomed the introduction of
such a scheme regardless of which of the two options was introduced.
However, he advised that older people he had spoken to preferred option B,
an informal parking card scheme, as it provided greater flexibility compared to
option A which entailed a structured permit scheme.
(j) While we welcomed the scheme in principle we were concerned at the
possible impact of the scheme in increasing pressure on existing kerbside
spaces. Notwithstanding this, we considered that the scheme should not be
limited as a rule to a particular age group but be accessible to anyone who
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
51
requires the assistance of a carer. In developing the scheme further we would
like the Parking Service to look at opportunities for providing spaces in the
Council’s car parks as well as on-street. Consideration also needs to be given
to the fact that some residents have multiple carers who attend to different
needs. These people may all need to visit on the same days. We also believe
that rather than adopting either option A or B users should have a choice of
which type of scheme they use depending on personal preference and need.
(k) The final paper (Car Clubs - Scheme Development and Implementation
Programme) set out the progress that had been made so far in implementing
an on-street Car Club network in Westminster. It provided some background
and rationale for introducing a scheme, an explanation of how Car Clubs
operated and set out the short and long term vision for expanding Car Club
provision in the City.
(l) We welcomed the provision of an on-street Car Club network in Westminster
in principle as it would offer residents who drove a real alternative to car
ownership. We considered that the scheme should be more widely promoted,
including on estates, as we believed people would find the concept attractive
but that many did not know what it entailed. We further considered that to
encourage Westminster’s drivers to join Car Clubs, the cars on offer must give
residents a real choice so whether they want to drive for fun, family, shopping
or work there would be a vehicle that suits each need.
(m) Whilst we supported the proposal to introduce 100 Car Club spaces in phase
1 of the scheme we did have concerns about the long term vision of having a
percentage of all resident bays in the City allocated to Car Clubs by 2020 and
in particular the possible future impact on residents in being able to find an
available Respark bay. We are of the view that the proposed roll-out of further
bays in phases 2 and 3 should only occur following the outcome of annual
reviews on how the scheme has operated.
5. Re-Let Strategy for the Waste Collection, Recycling and Street
Cleansing Contract
(a) We received a report which set out key issues relating to the re-let of the
Waste Collection, Recycling and Street Cleansing Contract. We noted that this
was the first formal thinking on the re-let of the contract in the public domain.
Our discussion would entail the start of what would be an extensive, thorough
and wide ranging process of public consultation and member engagement
which would extend through the autumn leading to the final cabinet member
sign off of the contract documentation in January 2009.
(b) As part of our consideration of the key issues relating to the re-let of the
contract we reviewed analyses and options appraisals on a range of major
topics which were set out within a series of confidential appendices to the
report.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
52
(c) We were of the opinion that despite the contraction in numbers of waste
collection service providers through acquisitions/consolidations since the
current contract was let in 2003 the scale of the contract was significantly
attractive to draw bidders. Having considered the range of packaging models
and alternative packaging options we support the argument for a single
contract covering waste collection, recycling and street cleansing. Some of our
Members suggested that as part of its attempts to increase domestic recycling
the Council should require those with large gardens to compost. We noted the
importance of ensuring that the successful bidder is adequately supported by
existing contractors such as Vertex in the effective delivery of waste
management services. We would like to see as part of the contract evaluation
a comprehensive quality evaluation of human resources within the customer
benefits criteria. With regards to the contract specification we would like to see
i) an additional challenge to incentivise residents, businesses and visitors to
further increase responsible waste disposal/recycling, ii) the worst case
scenarios of major risks affecting businesses such as exposure to increases in
fuel prices, changes to the national minimum wage and changes to the
regulatory framework.
(d) It is our intention to consider these and other issues more fully at our next
meeting where we would welcome hearing the views of local residents and
businesses.
ANGELA HARVEY, Chairman
_________________________________________
Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1972 – Background Papers
The agenda and reports to the Built Environment Overview and Scrutiny
Committee on 3 September 2008
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
53
REPORT OF THE SUPERANNUATION INVESTMENTS COMMITTEE
ON 3 SEPTEMBER 2008
The following Members of the Committee were present:-
Councillor Mark Page (Chairman), Tony Devenish, Dr Cyril Nemeth and
Ian Rowley
1. Report on the Performance and Management of the Council’s
Pension Fund
(a) We noted a report providing a summary of performance by the Fund
Managers covering the period since the inception of the current management
arrangements in May 2006. In particular we noted that operation of the Fund
was fully compliant with all the relevant statutory requirements.
2. Fund Administration and Operations
(a) We have considered and noted a report by the Director of Finance and
Resources setting out the results of ongoing monitoring and management of
the Council’s superannuation assets undertaken by officers.
3. Reports from Global Custodians
(a) We considered separate presentations from BNY Asset Servicing as
Custodian to the Fund and, Alliance Bernstein and Newton on their
performance with regard to the global investments portfolios.
4. Specialist Contract Providers to the City of Westminster
Superannuation Fund
(a) We have discussed a report reviewing the contract specification and re-
tendering arrangements in respect of contracts for independent investment
advice and actuarial services.
(b) We were mindful of the need for the re-tendering to be carried out in full
accordance with the requirements of the Procurement and Contracts Code.
We have asked to be kept informed of progress in this area. We have also
requested a briefing note on the role of the Chief Investment Officer in view of
the vital contribution this officer makes to the Council’s investment strategy.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
54
5. Report on Potential Alternative Investments for the Council’s
Pension Fund
(a) We have considered a discussion paper on possible strategy and investment
opportunities available to the Pension Fund in so-called alternative
investments.
(b) We have approved the principle of alternative investments and have asked
officers to report back to us with detailed recommendations.
MARK PAGE, Chairman
____________________________________
Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1972 – Background Papers
The agenda and minutes of the Superannuation Investments Committee held
on 3 September 2008
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
55
REPORT OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE OVERVIEW AND
SCRUTINY COMMITTEE ON 9 SEPTEMBER 2008
The following Members of the Committee were present:-
Councillors Nickie Aiken (Chairman), Ian Adams, Frances Blois, David
Boothroyd, Christabel Flight, Barbara Grahame and Gwyneth Hampson; and
Co-opted Members Mohammed Ameiur, Lindsay Ancock, Barbara Mayne and
John Moruzzi
1. Work Programme
(a) We discussed the work programme and agreed that the effectiveness of the
Committee could be improved by meetings being based on a single
overarching theme.
(b) Agreed that initial areas for detailed consideration at future meetings would
be:
1 December 2008: Early Years - service provision for pre-school
children.
24 March 2009: 14-19 Years – services and opportunities
available for young people, including gifted and
talented children.
June 2009: Children’s Well Being – strategies for the wider
well being of children and young people,
including health and sports provision.
2. Question and Answer Session with the Cabinet Member for
Children’s Services
(a) Councillor Sarah Richardson (Cabinet Member for Children’s Services)
provided an update on a number of issues relating to her portfolio, and took
part in a question and answer session.
3. Designing the Future Shape of Children’s Services- An Update
(a) We received an update on progress in pulling together service areas relating to
Families at Risk, Early Years, Young People and Extended School services,
under the new single work stream ‘Integrating Children’s Services’.
(b) We acknowledged the importance of identifying children with additional needs
at an early stage in order to improve their education and outcomes, and noted
that existing tracking in schools and the health service were to be further
developed.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
56
(c) We noted that City Council staff would now be consulted, prior to a Conference
on 21 October that would seek to identify the model and structure for
implementation for integrated services over the next three years.
4. Pimlico Academy – Transitional Arrangements
(a) We discussed transitional arrangements which had taken place for the closure
of Pimlico School and the establishment of the Pimlico Academy, which was
now open.
(b) We noted that an inspection carried out in July had found satisfactory levels of
teaching, learning and progress, which had resulted in Pimlico School being no
longer in need of special measures. We commented that the successful
turnaround of a school that was failing highlighted the effectiveness of the
approach taken by the City Council, and of the partnership arrangements with
Quintin Kynaston School.
(c) We also discussed the potential community use of the new sports centre.
5. Building Schools for the Future (BSF) and Primary Capital
Programme (PCP) Update
(a) We discussed changes and progress made in the new governance and
partnership arrangements in Westminster’s Building Schools for the Future
(BSF) project.
(b) We considered the process that had been used in selecting and prioritising
sample scheme schools, and noted that the Corporate Property Division
continued to maintain an overview of progress. We also discussed the ICT
Services Contract which was to be managed through the City Council’s contract
and which covered all secondary and special schools.
6. Secondary Learning and Achievement Strategy
(a) We discussed progress in the development of a three year strategy for
secondary learning and achievement at Westminster. We noted that following
the closure of Pimlico School and the adoption of foundation status by Quintin
Kynaston, the City Council had ceased to hold direct responsibility for any
secondary schools, with issues of property, staffing, admissions and financial
management being the responsibility of the governing body of each school.
(b) We noted that although the role of the local authority had become a matter for
negotiation and consent, almost all secondary schools and academies had
been keen to receive support from the City Council, particularly on issues
relating to the 14-19 age group and in areas that benefited from joint working.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
57
(c) We discussed and acknowledged the importance of the City Council’s role in
providing support to schools through Westminster’s integrated agenda, which
offered an opportunity for successful partnership working by providing effective
monitoring and tracking.
Nickie Aiken, CHAIRMAN
______________________________________
Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1972 – Background Papers:
The agenda and reports to the Children & Young People Policy & Scrutiny
Committee on 9 September 2008
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
58
REPORT OF THE RESOURCES AND CORPORATE SERVICES
POLICY AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE ON 16 SEPTEMBER 2008
The following Members of the Committee were present:-
Councillors: Mark Page (Chairman), Mehfuz Ahmed, Michael Brahams, David
Boothroyd, Paul Dimoldenberg, Jean-Paul Floru and Andrew Havery
Also Present: Councillors Melvyn Caplan and Margaret Doyle
1. Budget Options
(a) We provided initial comments for submission to the Cabinet on three briefing
notes on the Revenue Budget, General Fund Capital Programme and the
Housing Revenue Account.
(b) Councillor Melvyn Caplan, Cabinet Member for Finance and Support Services,
addressed the Committee. He indicated that both he and the Leader were
very keen for the whole budget setting process to be as open and transparent
as possible with all Members of the Council having the opportunity to see the
figures behind the options before any decisions were taken. We welcomed
the assurance that the Cabinet would take very seriously the views of other
Members.
(c) We were mindful that the Budget and Performance Task Group would be
discussing the budget options in detail later in the month. However, our
preliminary discussions did highlight the issue around balancing the need to
fund essential well delivered services to residents and to maintain the
Council’s housing stock etc against the desire to pay for high profile projects in
the West End etc.
(d) In relation to the Council’s reserves, Councillor Caplan stressed that there
needed to be a coherent rationale behind the setting of an optimum level
which would ensure that planned levels of expenditure could be sustained in
the long run. His key message was that there were a number of budgetary
options available to the Council but given the economic downturn these had to
be exercised in a prudent and cautious manner.
2. Procurement and Monopolistic Markets
(a) The Committee considered a report which set out how the Council dealt with
procurement in monopolistic markets and ensured value for money.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
59
(b) In order to stimulate discussion we welcomed Terry Brewer to the meeting as
an independent expert witness. He explained his role as the Chief Executive
of Firebuy, the national procurement agency for the fire and rescue services
and shared his experiences of dealing with monopolistic markets. He then
commented on the Council’s approach to this issue and answered questions
from members of the Committee.
(c) The Committee also received presentations in respect of two case studies
relating to monopolistic situations. The first study described the challenges
around re-letting the contract for waste collection and street cleansing services
and the second involved the contract for day services for people with mental
health problems with the Central and North West London Mental Health Trust.
Following our deliberations we invited comments from those present in the
public gallery.
(d) We noted how the Council attempted to ensure value for money by
understanding the role of the “intelligent client”, carrying out thorough market
testing and identifying best practice. We also appreciated the value of having
a well developed governance structure and the necessity of scrutinising all
areas of significant spend.
3. Senior Management Recruitment
(a) We have commented on a report presenting information on the recruitment
and retention of Chief Officers/Senior Managers.
(b) At our meeting in June 2008 we expressed concern about the number of
senior posts which remain unfilled or had not attracted applicants of sufficient
quality. We, therefore, requested the Director of Human Resources to report
back to us on this issue.
(c) The report indicated that the Council had 23 posts that were designated either
Chief Officer or Senior Manager (excluding Chief Executive). The turnover for
this group of staff was 16.6% which was similar to the overall national average
for local government in the UK which is 16%. However, the report did point
out that there were a small range of posts with medium to high turnover rates
constituting 18% of the Council’s Chief Officer posts. The latest survey results
confirm that nationally local government is currently experiencing recruitment
difficulties with turnover rates of up to 22%. Accordingly, the Council’s figure
is below the current average.
(d) The Director of Human Resources stressed that, although the Council’s
problems in recruiting and retaining senior staff were not significantly different
from other local authorities in the London area, there was still a need to
improve. However, it was hoped that the new reward strategy would help
particularly when placed alongside other elements of attraction, for example,
an improved work/life balance and greater emphasis on developing staff for
internal promotion.
(e) We are aware that this is an issue that needs to be kept under review.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
60
4. Scrutiny of Westminster’s Neighbourhoods Programme
(a) The Committee noted a report providing an overview of spend under the
Westminster Neighbourhoods Programme following the first spending round.
(b) In addition to levels of expenditure, the report also offered a brief summary of
projects on a ward by ward basis. It highlighted wards that had chosen not to
spend the budgets so far and the reasons for this, wards that had chosen to
undertake extra consultation and wards where additional funding had been
secured over and above the ward budget.
(c) We recognised that experience to date underlined the need to consult local
residents in a variety of different ways in order to obtain a representative
sample of their views. We also recognised that there would be an ongoing
need for robust scrutiny arrangements in relation to future expenditure under
the Neighbourhoods Programme.
5. Update on Temporary Agency Contractors – Specialist and
Professional Contractors
(a) We have discussed a report summarising the findings from an option review
undertaken to transform the supply of temporary agency contractors (TACs) in
relation to specialist and professional staff and the appointment of a managed
service provider (MSP).
(b) The options review identified a number of non cashable benefits arising from a
move away from the traditional approach involving a number of different
agencies supplying staff to a sole MSP being responsible for such provision.
These included a single point of contact for TAC sourcing, improved
management information, fewer invoices and Council policy requirements
being built into the contractual arrangements. In addition it is estimated that
appointing an MSP will involve a reduction of 5.18% on agency margins with
the MSP either being paid an annual management fee or receiving a
percentage of the savings.
(c) We were pleased to note the progress being made in this area as the situation
regarding the number of agency staff used by the Council and the tendency
for a few to be employed for excessive periods of time has been a long
standing concern.
6. Report of the Efficiency/Transformation Task Group
(a) We have noted the report of the Efficiency/Transformation Task Group.
(b) The report in particular drew attention to the issues which had been discussed
at the two most recent task group meetings held on 10 June 2008 and 30 July
2008. The first meeting had mainly involved a question and answer session
with Rosemarie MacQueen, Director of Planning and City Development,
covering the progress of the WorkSmart Programme with regard to her
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
61
department. At the second meeting Marian Harrington, Director of Adult
Social Services, addressed the task group with regard to the Transformation
of the Adult Services WorkSmart Project.
(c) We noted that there is a clear financial remit to achieve £5m of additional
savings from the WorkSmart Programme over the next two years i.e. 2009/10
and 2010/11. We further noted that once the primary connections between
the various projects had been identified together with core values and
principles that this would enable an overall vision regarding the
implementation of Phase 2 of the WorkSmart Programme to be communicated
to staff by the end of September 2008.
7. Transformation of the Income Management Service
(a) The Committee considered a report reviewing the WorkSmart Phase 2 project
involving the transformation of the way income is managed by the Council.
(b) The aim of the end-to-end review was to increase efficiency, reduce costs and
reduce risk through procuring a single provider to collect, process, deposit and
reconcile all the Council’s income. The provider would also implement and
maintain a central ICT system to support the collection, processing and
reconciliation processes.
(c) We noted the potential benefits, not least the potential savings of £600k per
annum from 2010/11 but were also mindful of need for some caution given the
radical changes involved and that an efficient service in this area was vital to
the Council’s financial well-being.
Councillor Mark Page, CHAIRMAN
______________________________________
Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1972 – Background Papers
The minutes and agenda for the Resources and Corporate Services Overview
and Scrutiny Committee held on 16 September 2008
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
62
REPORT OF THE GENERAL PURPOSES URGENCY
SUB-COMMITTEE HELD ON 18 SEPTEMBER 2008
The following members of the Committee were present:-
Councillors Melvyn Caplan (Chairman), Tim Mitchell and Guthrie Mckie
The following item is submitted to the Council for decision:
1. Amendments to the Terms of Reference of the
Superannuation Committee and Related Pension Matters
(a) We considered a report that set out proposed revised terms of reference for
the Superannuation Investments Committee so as to ensure that it has full
responsibility for all pension matters, including those currently falling within the
terms of reference of the Cabinet Member of Finance and Support Services.
The report we considered is attached as Appendix B and this sets out (at
Appendix 1 of the report) the revised terms of reference. Subject to the
Council approving the recommendation below, all pension related matters will,
in the future, be referred to the renamed Superannuation Committee.
(b) We ratified the compensation policy previously approved by the Cabinet
Member for Finance and Support Services (set out at Appendix 8 of the
report) so that it had retrospective effect from 1 April 2007.
(c) We also approved the delegation of powers to the Director of Human
Resources (set out at Appendix 2 of the report), the new cash value pension
award policy (set out at Appendix 3 of the report), the new early payment of
pension (set out at Appendix 4 of the report) and the new flexible retirement
policy (set out at Appendix 5 of the report).
We recommend: That the Superannuation Investments Committee be
renamed the Superannuation Committee and that the Terms of Reference for
the Committee set out in the report at Appendix B be agreed.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
63
REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND PERFORMANCE COMMITTEE
ON 22 SEPTEMBER 2008
The following Members of the Committee were present:-
Councillors Tim Mitchell (Chairman), Suhail Rahuja and Guthrie McKie
Also Present: Councillor Melvyn Caplan
1. Annual Statement of Accounts
(a) We considered and approved the Statement of Accounts for the year ended
31 March 2008 along with the Annual Governance Report which had been
prepared by the Audit Commission and confirmed Westminster continued to
offer value for money.
(b) We discussed issues around how to improve the working papers, the
reclassification of funds following advice from the Chartered Institute of Public
Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and potential forthcoming issues outlined
in an action plan.
2. Reserves Policy
(c) We considered and commented on changes to the Reserves Policy and
projected reserves up to the end of 2010/11 and the reclassification of
possible financial risks over the next three years which had, under the new
“most likely case” scenario identified a surplus in reserves of £19m.
(d) We subsequently agreed to regularly review the application of the Reserves
Policy at future meetings.
Tim Mitchell, CHAIRMAN
________________________________________
Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1972 – Background Papers
The agenda, reports and minutes of the meeting of the Audit & Performance
Committee on 22 September 2008
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
64
REPORT OF THE HEALTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICES POLICY
AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE HELD ON 7 OCTOBER 2008
The following Members of the Committee were present:
Councillors Judith Warner (Chairman), Barrie Taylor, Frixos Tombolis,
Nick Evans, Jan Prendergast, Cyril Nemeth, Suhail Rahuja and Sharan Tabari
Also Present: Councillor Ed Argar
1. Updates from Cabinet Members
(a) We received update reports from the Cabinet Members for Health and Adult
Social Services, Housing and Customer and Community Services on key
issues in each of their service areas.
2. Transformation of Adult Services – Progress Update
(a) We received a report and presentation from the Director of Adult Services on
the transformation of adult services. Although the majority of elderly residents
do not currently use Westminster adult services, under discussion was how
the Council would meet extra demand for services, the changes which would
be made to departmental structures and in the introduction of individual
budgets.
(b) Questions raised included whether encouraging people to purchase their own
care and become more independent would leave only the most vulnerable and
poor receiving services from the local authority. Members were reassured that
services would continue to be available to those who needed care. We also
raised the importance of ensuring that care was available at the point of need
and our concern that bureaucracy was creating barriers. We were informed
that the adults transformation project was intended to address these issues.
(c) The Committee will return to the communication and availability of advice and
the importance of accessible information, including signposting residents other
resources and services and offering advice on relevant subjects such as
utilities and financial issues.
3. Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services
(a) We welcomed Councillor Ed Argar, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult
Services, to the meeting to speak about current priorities and take questions.
We were informed that in addition to the adults transformation programme
other current priorities included the review and reconfiguration of drug and
alcohol misuse services and Healthcare for London.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
65
(b) Following a recent visit to a number of care homes Members gave a report of
the main points of their findings. Staff of all establishments require better
support from HR and requested access to a vehicle in order to pursue a wider
range of activities for residents. Across different care homes other points
raised were a request for a greater variety in food and improvements to
buildings and décor, some of which were reported as a bit shabby.
(c) The Committee will continue to monitor these observations and further visits
by Members to any of the services are planned.
4. Health and Community Service Provision in the West End
Area Forum
(a) We received a report reviewing the services provided by Libraries and Arts,
Housing, Social Services and Sport and Leisure within the locality covered by
the West End Area Forum. This was the fifth such report we have considered
as part of our review of services by area forum focussing on services available
to local communities at a neighbourhood level. It is hoped that the review
document will help to inform a strategic overview of services. Each Area
Forum report is being sent to the relevant Ward Members.
(b) At our next meeting in December we will be considering provision in the
Bayswater area.
5. Summer Activities by Area Forum
(a) Officers gave verbal reports on sport, leisure and cultural activities which had
taken place over the summer in each of area forum.
(b) Sport: The increased take up by children was welcomed and the Committee
would wish to see further long term planning, particularly were provision is
weak in various parts of the borough.
(c) Cultural activities: Although a number of examples were given at a local level
the majority were still city wide organisations. Further work needs to be
undertaken to identify where the cultural strategy is having an impact in each
locality. The Committee will continue to monitor this.
6. Community Build Update
(a) We received a report from the Director of Housing on the Community Build
Programme. We were informed that confirmation of Housing Corporation
funding for the project had been received in the summer and work was
underway to develop organisational structures to ensure that programme is
tax efficient.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
66
(b) The Committee discussed the implications of the current financial climate on
the project and were informed that this was being taken into consideration and
the situation closely monitored. We requested that financial details for the
project continue to be scrutinised as the project was developed and also
asked about the community and environmental aspects of the design of the
homes.
7. Quarterly Performance Monitoring
(a) We received the key performance information from the areas of Libraries,
Archives, Arts and Culture, Sport and Leisure, Housing and Adult Social
Services.
8. Task Groups
(a) We received the updates on the Committee’s current Task Groups and
informal reviews including the Health Task Group and the informal review into
youth sports provision. We noted that the Member Panel to consider Pimlico
District Heating Undertaking would be meeting in November and that the
newly established task group looking at the response to anti-social behaviour
on the City’s Council Estates (a joint task group with the Crime and Disorder
P&S Committee) will be shortly holding its initial scoping session.
9. Work Programme 2008/09
(a) We noted the Committees current work programme for 2008-09.
10. Review of Social Services Contracts
(a) We discussed a confidential report which outlined the contract performance in
the Adult Services Department from April 2007 to March 2008 and raised
concerns about an under performing contract.
Judith Warner, CHAIRMAN
__________________________________
Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1972 – Background Papers
The agenda and reports to the Health and Community Services Policy and
Scrutiny Committee held on 7 October 2008. Report No. 15 is exempt from
publication by virtue the Local Government Act 1972 Schedule 12A, Part 1,
paragraph 3 (as amended), in that it contains information relating to the
financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority
holding that information).
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
67
REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND PERFORMANCE COMMITTEE ON
14 OCTOBER 2008
The following Members of the Committee were present:-
Councillors Tim Mitchell (Chairman), Guthrie McKie, Suhail Rahuja, Duncan
Sandys and Judith Warner
Also Present: Councillor Melvyn Caplan
1. Urgent Business – Statement from the Director of Finance
concerning investments in Icelandic Banks
(a) We have received an urgent oral report from the Director of Finance and
Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources concerning the Council’s
investments in Icelandic Banks, which had led to around £17m in assets being
frozen. The Director of Finance subsequently outlined the work undertaken
relating to cash assets following the news of the problems with the banks; the
current position regarding the Icelandic banks; and the instigation of an
independent review.
(b) Both the Director of Finance and Cabinet Member were cautiously optimistic
about recovering some or all of the frozen assets and reassured the
Committee that the freezing of the assets would not impact on the day to day
provision of Council services.
(c) We subsequently raised questions around the proposals for an independent
review of investments, commenting on the proposed terms of reference and
were reassured that all of the investments reviewed to date had been made in
accordance with the Treasury Management Strategy. However, the review
amongst other things would be seeking to clarify whether the right indicators
had been used when the decision was made to invest in Landsbanki and
Heritage.
2. Work Programme
(a) We discussed and noted the Committee’s Work Programme and progress
made by the four Working Groups we have established for Property, People,
Procurement and Process & Audit.
3. Procurement and Contracts Code
(a) We have received an introduction from the Group Director: Resources and
Director of Procurement, into changes to the Procurement and Contracts
Code, and how they anticipate this will change future procurement actions.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
68
(b) During the discussions we sought information on how the amended code
linked into engagement with the Westminster Small and Minority Business
Council (WSMBC) and subsequently approved the revised code, subject to
the Cabinet Member for Finance and Support Services receiving assurances
on engagement with the WSMBC.
4. Performance Monitoring Report for Period 4 (July) 2008/9
(a) We considered and noted the new Performance Management Framework,
and performance in financial and service performance for Period 4 (July)
2008/9.
(b) During the discussions we queried when a comprehensive staffing structure
for the Council would be delivered, the amount of temporary agency staff
employed across the organisation and the debt write-off procedures.
5. Corporate Complaints
(a) We have reviewed and commented on the information about complaints in
both 2007/9 and the first quarter of 2008/9.
(b) During the discussions we received information from representatives of
CityWest Homes and Parking on the reasons why relatively high numbers of
complaints were received in particular periods and what was being doing to
reduce both the number of complaints made and escalation of complaints to
levels 2 and 3.
6. Local Area Agreement Performance and Financial
Management Framework
(a) We have commented on and noted the final Local Area Agreement (LAA)
signed off by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
for 2008-11 as well as the arrangements to monitor delivery of the LAA targets
and related expenditure.
(b) During the discussions we noted the work undertaken to date in developing
partnership working and how a full picture of service delivery should be
available by Christmas 2008.
7. Internal Audit and Counter-Fraud Summary Monitoring Report
April – July 2008
(a) We have considered and commented on the internal audit and counter-fraud
work carried out between April and July 2008, noting an area of concern
around the cashiers service and the new power to issue restraint orders on
assets. We also noted work done to address housing benefit fraud and the
National Fraud Initiative.
Council Agenda 29 October 2008
69
8. Car Park Portfolio Review
(a) We have considered a confidential report on the options for the off-street car
park portfolio and asked for clarification on the value of the current assets.
Tim Mitchell, CHAIRMAN
____________________________________________
Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1972 – Background Papers
The agenda, reports and minutes of the meeting of the Audit & Performance
Committee on 14 October 2008
Council Agenda 29 October 2008